In The Reader by Bernard Schlink, how does Michael's relationship with Hanna affect his future relationships?

The relationship between Michael and Hanna is unusual. When their relationship begins, Michael is 15 and Hanna is 36. When their relationship ends, at the time of Hanna's suicide, Michael is 40, and Hanna is 61. Hanna was born before the Holocaust and World War II and was an active participant in those events. Michael was born in the last months of the war and grew up in an occupied society, wracked with guilt and internationally condemned for its previous activities. Hanna belongs to the generation of Michael's parents, yet he finds in her his lifelong love. Michael also has abortive relationships with other women, Sophie and Gertrud, for example. The collapses are of his own generation. Yet, he is unable to connect to them in any significant way. Michael is similarly unable to connect to his child. He is only able to find a meaningful relationship with Hanna, who represents many of the worst aspects the past has to offer.